Michael Alexander Potts

Michael Alexander Potts, 55, of Manchester and formerly of Richmond, VA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 23, 2026, at his home. Born in Middletown, NY on November 5, 1970, son of Cecile E. Potts of Manchester and the late Norman Lee Ward, he was raised in Upper State, New York, spending most of his time in Livingston Manor and Monticello, NY.

After graduating from Monticello High School with the Class of 1988, he worked as a manager at McDonalds for five years before relocating to Richmond, VA in 1993. Michael was very creative and a natural problem solver. He loved working in roles that challenged him and where his talents would make a difference.

Everything Michael did, he did with passion and excitement. He researched how things worked and patiently watched videos, read books, and online articles to gain a better understanding. Michael applied his thirst for knowledge not only at work but also at home, whether it was technology, learning a new card trick, or rehearsing for a new prank to play on his mother or his kids…he did everything to the extreme.

His passionate pursuit of his interests was evident even as a child. As a young boy, he loved the Incredible Hulk and read all of the Hulk comic books, purchased Hulk figurines, and other memorabilia. He even created a time-lapse video of himself becoming the Hulk complete with make-up and changes in his clothes and appearance. Michael's creative side and love of art led him to be passionate about BMX trick riding, breakdancing, and beatboxing. He loved to dance and draw, and later became a talented graffiti artist, drawing unique designs and cartoon art.

While growing up, Michael loved music and was a big fan of Michael Jackson. In high school, he started DJing and became very talented at mixing his own beats and songs. As he got older, he eventually incorporated his favorite genre, house music, into his sets. His passion for DJing was so infectious that he was thrilled to show anyone how to use his equipment–even his mother couldn't help but bring the beats to life.

As a child, he discovered that he had a natural talent for ventriloquism and "throwing his voice". He combined his ventriloquism with his lively and animated personality to create pranks on his mother and later his children, including the "Cabinet Guy," whom his kids will never forget.

Most of all, Michael was a dedicated father and, recently, a grandfather. While his children were growing up, he was always present and involved in all of their activities. He loved taking them to Byrd Park in Richmond, VA to feed the geese, amusement parks like Kings Dominion, and always took pictures and videos of them to capture the memories they created. After he found out that he was going to be a grandfather, he became very nervous, but later cherished his role. Michael was a doting, loving, and dedicated son to his best friend and mother, Cecile; he was the consummate loving father to Tamika and Alexander, and he was overjoyed to be a grandfather to Eliora.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Cecile E. Potts of Manchester; two children, Tamika S. Potts and her husband Gervaise Weir of Manchester and Alexander Michael Potts of Richmond, VA; his granddaughter, Eliora Weir of Manchester; a sister, Marie Hamilton and her husband Neil Hamilton of Florida; a nephew, Ronald Thomas of Alexandria, VA; a niece, Rachel Thomas and her fiancé Nelson of Alexandria, VA; an aunt, Camille Potts; and a cousin, Petrina Miller.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 11, 1-2:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life and sharing of memories by family and friends at 2:30 p.m., at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

For online condolences and to view the services live or after, Wednesday, March 11th at 2:30 p.m., please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.